My .02 on the front seven and how the issues can be adressed.
I think that we are all in agreement that this unit is one of the best in the league against the run, yes? Further, this unit is one of the best at winning on 1st down. So, we force teams into obvious passing situations, yet still struggle to defend the pass when we know it is coming. When we think about fixing things for 2009, there is one question to be asked: What is the fastest, easiest solution available?
Immediately out the window goes a 34 convert. Too long to develop, can be a liability in coverage, may struggle to set the edge. Then, outgoes the notion that salvation lies in better DB's. Yes, we are fairly weak as of January 12, 2009 at DB. Will the W/W rooks from this year come on next year? Even if they do, no DB or scheme can hold up for more than 4.5 seconds.
So, the question comes back to pass rushers. Obviously, this isn't in the form of a OLB. The timetable just doesn't matchup and why risk a gamble for such a conversion, or dump money into Suggs? I think the answer for 2009 lies in situational rushers playing with their hands down. Either through FA or the draft, build a corps of smaller, highly althetic speed rushers that can be rotated into the game situationally to play with their hands down. Allow the linebackers and safeties to cover the zones or play head up, while you win with athleticism in the trenches. You would only need a pair of guys to accomplish this, and could do so with relatively short money.
Then, draft a convert for the 3-down pipeline, or sign an already accomplished FA to handle the roll. Just because the 34 is predicated upon LB pressure doesn't mean the subpackages need to suffer. Just like any other strategy, take care of immediate need through adaptability and provision for long term success. Makes sense to me, but hell, what do I know, I don't have 8 million posts and a penchant for beligerance.